Senior Mammals Keeper
Location
Blackpool, North West, United Kingdom
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
5-10 years
Compensation
£29.6K - £29.6K per year
Posted
2h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Senior Mammals Keeper will oversee the daily care, management, and enrichment of a diverse animal collection at Blackpool Zoo, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare. This role involves supervising and mentoring other keepers, collaborating with veterinary staff, and engaging with the public through educational talks.
Overview
Blackpool Zoo is seeking an experienced Senior Mammals Keeper to join its Mammal team and support the continued development of the Animal Department. The role involves daily care and husbandry of a diverse mammal collection, including species ranging from Cotton-top Tamarins to Asian Elephants. The successful candidate will provide leadership, training, and guidance to other keepers while maintaining high standards of animal welfare, health, safety, and husbandry.
Role Overview
The Senior Mammals Keeper will support the care, management, enrichment, and welfare of animals within the section. The role requires strong knowledge of zoological practices, experience with a wide range of mammal species, and the ability to work safely and confidently with animals. Positive reinforcement and effective animal training techniques are an important part of the role.
The successful candidate will supervise and mentor other keepers and may manage the section in the absence of the Department Manager. There may also be opportunities to contribute to Category 1 species management, operational planning, emergency preparedness, staff development, and departmental projects.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee daily animal care, including feeding, cleaning, observation, health monitoring, and general husbandry.
Develop and implement enrichment programs that encourage natural behaviors and promote animal welfare.
Supervise, train, mentor, and support seasonal keepers, trainee keepers, and animal keepers.
Promote consistent best practices and high standards of animal care across the section.
Work closely with veterinary staff to monitor animal health and support appropriate treatment and care.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of animal care, health, behavior, training, and welfare.
Use positive reinforcement techniques to support animal training and husbandry procedures.
Engage visitors through educational talks, demonstrations, and interactive experiences.
Support departmental operational planning, emergency preparedness, and special projects.
Assist with the management and operational procedures associated with Category 1 species where appropriate.
Take responsibility for managing the section when the Department Manager is absent.
Promote effective teamwork, communication, safety, and continuous improvement within the department.
Requirements
Minimum 5 years of professional animal keeping experience.
Experience working with a broad range of mammal taxa.
Experience with Category 1 species such as elephants, big cats, or apes is desirable.
Extensive knowledge of animal husbandry, welfare, enrichment, and behavioral management.
Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor and motivate colleagues.
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong understanding of zoological industry standards and animal welfare requirements.
Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) or an equivalent qualification.
Full UK driving licence.
Proven ability to work confidently and safely with a diverse range of mammal species.
Updated 2h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
5-10 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
£29.6K - £29.6K per year
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Blackpool Zoo
Team size
Growing team
Location
Blackpool, North West, United Kingdom
Blackpool Zoo is part of Parque Reunidos, one of Europe’s leading owners and operators of leisure attractions. With over 50 years of experience, it delivers authentic, memorable experiences to millions of visitors each year.
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Senior Mammals Keeper
Blackpool, North West, United Kingdom • Full Time